Easy enough. People are full of ****. They'll say anything to get what they want from each other and to rationalize their motives and actions. I've never observed any evidence of the real thing; only lies.

That seems sort of awkward to me. Isn't that like someone claiming they are mentally ill, but in reality they are full of ****. So because some people falsely claim mental insanity, mental disorders do not exist? I think love does genuinely exist at times, especially with physical attractions.

Perhaps I could/should have been more clear, but I wanted to see if you acknowledged the existence of something I thought to be irrational, and the first thing that popped into my head was love. I was curious. That is all I was addressing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qliveur

People are full of ****.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qliveur

They'll say anything to rationalize their motives and actions.

Your point has been well made, sir. Thank you for the interesting discussion.

There is significant difference between lasting love (many call it the truest form of it), and lust (urge to have unbridled sex to satisfy the baser instincts). Is love irrational: yes. Is it always? NO.

Though it can be irrational, it is also truth of sorts. Problem is how best to express it. One thing about such a powerful emotion is that it is difficult to control. Difficult but still possible. It is also used in a variety of ways. Unaffectionate ways. Ultimately it is intended for the good of others and of oneself.

An example of rational, unconditional love:

An episode of Dr. House. A girl tried to commit suicide. She was rescued.
House asked her why she did it. She couldn't reply anything except that she made a horrible mistake. Then there was the question of if he was going to notify her parents. He did, with great reservation, tell her technically that he couldn't do anything if she promised not to attempt suicide again. She promised. House got a rather cynical half-disgusted look on his face and muttered "Yeah right."

A sort of tough love tactic, but in all honesty, probably would have had a profound effect on a patient in real life. For the better.

That is not to say, though, that irrational acts end up badly. Someone jumps in front of certain danger (perhaps death) in order to save another. Irrational, but it was for the same reason: love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achilles

You must be new.

Maybe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoxStar

They don't call it "falling" in love for nothing.

Falling in love is completely irrational, but completely amazing.

The best is ultimately whether or not it lasts, in my opinion. Something I haven't yet achieved. However, I think most would generally tend to agree with that assertion. I do.

True they don't call it falling for no reason. The fall can be very hard--which is probably an understatement. It's much the same way as ending up putting craters in the floor of your electronics lab, or accidentally destroying equipment: if you are not risking something, you're not trying hard enough. It can be great in freefall, but the landing is rough. It hurts badly too. I wonder if it is truly possible to feel the good and joy without also the hardships, the pain, and the sorrow. Maybe it is, but I'd think it would not be appreciated without sometihng to contrast it. At the very least it defines purpose. Feel free to disagree, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qliveur

If you're going to accuse me of lying, Achilles, I would suggest that you either prove it or retract it.

I care not which.

Ooh, vicious.

We'll murder them all, amid laughter and merriment...except for the few we take home to experiment!

Love is a stainless steel eagle inscribed with hellish utterances, jet black, bristling with missiles and chain guns under a forty-foot wingspan that comes screeching down upon you on a moonless, stormy night. Its only purpose can be to destroy.